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Human Resources: Upcoming Programs
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May 26, 2009, Volume 55, No. 34

Professional and Personal Development

Improve your skills and get ahead in your career by taking advantage of the many development opportunities provided by Human Resources! You can pre-register for programs by visiting the online course catalog at www.hr.upenn.edu/coursecatalog or by contacting Learning and Education at (215) 898-3400.

Essentials of Management. Begins July 17; multiple dates with varying times; $250. If you’re a Penn manager, this program can provide you with knowledge of effective management practices, applicable skills and the information needed to do your job well. Offered over a five-month period, it requires approximately 30 hours of participation.

Career Focus Brown Bag—Tuition Benefit Information Session. July 22; noon–1 p.m.; free. Tuition benefits are an important advantage of being a faculty or staff member at Penn. This program will show you how to request and make the most of these benefits. A Q&A session will address any questions you have about using the tuition benefit for yourself, your family or your dependents.

American Management Association Program—Strategies for Developing Effective Presentation Skills. July 23 and 24; 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; $75. This two-day program will provide you with the skills to deliver clear, informative, memorable and convincing presentations. Learn by doing as you receive ongoing, personalized feedback on three live presentations. Subjects to be addressed include determining your objectives in giving a presentation, balancing verbal and nonverbal messages, developing and organizing presentation content, rehearsing and using notes, reducing and channeling nervousness, using visual aids, handling questions and more.

Tips on Effective Workplace Writing for Non-Native Speakers of English. August 10; noon–1 p.m.; free. English grammar can often be challenging, especially when it’s not your native language.  If you’re a non-native speaker of English and are looking to enhance your communication skills, this workshop is for you. We’ll review 10 commonly made mistakes by individuals for whom English is a second language. You’ll also learn to recognize and avoid these mistakes and how to make your writing clearer, sharper and more effective.

New Benefits Deductions in June

Now that Open Enrollment is over, remember that any changes you made to your benefits elections will take effect on July 1, 2009.  Even if you didn’t make any changes, new deduction rates will still apply for the new plan year.  New rates for your existing medical, dental, vision and life insurance plans will be reflected in your June paycheck, and new contributions for the Pre-Tax Expense Accounts will begin in July.  Visit the Human Resources website at www.hr.upenn.edu/benefits/default.aspx to view rates for the new plan year.

New ID Cards for PENNCare/Personal Choice PPO Members

All faculty and staff enrolled in the PENNCare/Personal Choice PPO medical plan will be receiving new member ID cards for the new plan year which starts on July 1. Independence Blue Cross has issued a new prefix that will precede the member ID number on the front of your card. Any dependents covered under your plan will also receive replacement ID cards using the new prefix.

New ID cards will be mailed in July.  When you receive yours, be sure to immediately destroy your old card and begin using the new one.  If you don’t receive a new ID card, contact Independence Blue Cross at (215) 241-2990.

—Division of Human Resources

Related: Do You Still Have Money in Your Pre-Tax Expense Account?

Almanac - May 26, 2009, Volume 55, No. 34